Imaging apparatus and capture assist mark usage control method

ABSTRACT

Multiple capture assist marks (markers for capture assistance) to be synthesized with video captured by a camera unit  10  is generated by an OSD unit  20  through the control of a control unit  100 . These capture assist marks are synthesized with the video from the camera unit  10  by synthesis means and displayed. In this case, an operation unit  110  is used to accept input of an instruction about the capture assist mark from a user. Based on this instruction input, the control unit  100  controls the OSD unit  20  and a baseband processing unit  30  to synthesize the capture assist mark corresponding to the instruction with a video signal from the camera unit  10.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 13/651,135, filed on Oct.12, 2012, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10/585,086,filed on May 27, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,861, issued on Nov. 20,2012, which is a National Stage Entry of Application NumberPCT/JP05/18547, filed on Oct. 6, 2005, and contains subject matterrelated to Japanese Patent Application JP 2004-320464, filed in theJapanese Patent Office on Nov. 4, 2004, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus exemplified byvideo cameras and still cameras and to a control method of using captureassist marks used for the imaging apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

There are widely used various imaging apparatuses such as video camerasand still cameras. In recent years, some imaging apparatuses are capableof switching between capturing of video (images) with an aspect ratio(horizontal to vertical ratio) of 16:9 and capturing of videos (images)with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Such imaging apparatus uses the viewfinderwith an aspect ratio of 16:9 so as to comply with videos with an aspectratios of both 16:9 and 4:3.

When capturing a video with an aspect ratio of 4:3, however, suchimaging apparatus displays the video with an aspect ratio of 4:3 on aviewfinder with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This may make it difficult todetermine the range of an actually effective capturing area.

In consideration for this, JP-A No. 070675/1998 discloses the technologyof displaying a marker (effective capturing frame) and the like toindicate an effective capturing area with an aspect ratio of 4:3 in aviewfinder with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The technology described inJP-A No. 070675/1998 makes it possible to accurately recognize theeffective capturing area for a video displayed in the viewfinder andappropriately capture an intended image as a video with an aspect ratioof 4:3.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

There has been a demand for imaging apparatuses such as video camerasand still cameras to display a marker indicating the center of a fieldangle and a marker indicating the effective capturing area with anaspect ratio of 4:3 and to recognize the center of the field angle andthe range of the 4:3 image frame, for example. That is, it is expectedto simultaneously display multiple types of markers for captureassistance.

Even in the event of capturing, the marker for capture assistance may ormay not be needed and is requested to be quickly enabled or disabled. Inorder to synthesize the marker for capture assistance with a video, forexample, a user needs to open a screen for specifying the feature from amenu displayed on a display device such as an LCD (Liquid CrystalDisplay) provided on the imaging apparatus and display or hide themarker for capture assistance. Consequently, it is difficult to performa quick-response operation such as displaying or hiding the marker forcapture assistance while visually checking an object to be captured.

According to a well-known technology, an external monitor only outputs aso-called SD (Standard Definition) video with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Nospecial process is needed to display a capture assist frame on theexternal monitor. It has been possible to display the marker for captureassistance as intended correspondingly to a video on the viewfinder.

However, some imaging apparatus may handle both a so-called HD (HighDefinition) video with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and the SD video. Whensuch imaging apparatus down-converts a video at an HD (16:9) field angleinto a video at an SD (4:3) field angle, it maybe also necessary tocorrect display positions of the marker for capture assistance.

The invention has been made in consideration of the foregoing. It istherefore an object of the invention to provide an imaging apparatuscapable of appropriately using multiple capture assist marks so as tosatisfy user needs and a control method of using the capture assistmarks used for the imaging apparatus.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, an imaging apparatus according toclaim 1 of the invention includes:

imaging means for imaging an object and outputting a video signal;

generation means for generating a plurality of types of capture assistmarks to be synthesized with a video signal output from the imagingmeans;

synthesis means for synthesizing a capture assist mark generated by thegeneration means with the video signal from the imaging means;

acceptance means for accepting instruction input about the captureassist mark; and

control means for controlling the generation means and the synthesismeans based on the instruction input accepted through the acceptancemeans and controlling a capture assist mark corresponding to theinstruction input so as to be synthesized with the video signal.

According to the imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1 of theinvention, the generation means generates multiple types of captureassist marks (markers for capture assistance) to be synthesized with avideo captured by the imaging means. The synthesis means synthesizesthese capture assist marks with video from the imaging means.

The acceptance means accepts input of an instruction about the captureassist mark from a user. Based on the accepted instruction input, thecontrol means controls the generation means and the synthesis means toallow the capture assist mark to be synthesized with a video signal fromthe imaging means.

This acceptance means makes it possible for a user to use multiple typesof capture assist marks, wherein: (i) all types of the capture assistmarks can be synthesized with video signals from the imaging means andcan be used simultaneously; (ii) one or more types of the capture assistmarks can be synthesized with video signals from the imaging means andcan be used; and (iii) no capture assist mark can be synthesized withvideo signals from the imaging means. That is, it is possible toappropriately use multiple capture assist marks so as to satisfy userneeds.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 2 is compliant with theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and includes:

selection input acceptance means for accepting selection input of aplurality of capture modes to generate differently formatted videosignals; and

capture mode change means for controlling the imaging means inaccordance with the selection input accepted through the selection inputacceptance means and enabling a selected capture mode,

wherein the control means controls the generation means so as togenerate the capture assist mark in accordance with a selected capturemode.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 2 of the invention allowsthe use of multiple capture modes. For example, there is available an HDmode for capturing images with an aspect ratio of 16:9. There isavailable an SDmode for capturing images with an aspect ratio of 4:3.Another mode is used to capture intended video as an video signal incompliance with the NTSC (National Television System Committee) system.Yet another mode is used to capture intended video as an video signal incompliance with the PAL (Phase Alternation by Line) system.

In this case, the control means controls the generation means inaccordance with the selected capture mode. Even when the acceptancemeans transfers an instruction to generate the capture assist mark, thegeneration means controlled by the control means does not generate thecapture assist mark in accordance with the capture mode, changes thespecified capture assist mark to another capture assist mark, or adjuststhe capture assist mark. It is possible to automatically prevent ameaningless or inappropriate capture assist mark from being generatedand used. In this manner, it is possible to appropriately use multiplecapture assist marks so as to satisfy user needs.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 3 is compliant with theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1 or 2 and includes:

selection input acceptance means for accepting selection input of aplurality of capture modes to generate differently formatted videosignals; and

capture mode change means for controlling the imaging means inaccordance with the selection input accepted through the selection inputacceptance means and enabling a selected capture mode,

wherein the control means controls whether or not to synthesize acapture assist mark generated by the generation means in accordance witha selected capture mode.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 3 of the invention allowsthe use of multiple capture modes. For example, there is available an HDmode for capturing images with an aspect ratio of 16:9. There isavailable an SD mode for capturing images with an aspect ratio of 4:3.Another mode is used to capture intended video as an video signal incompliance with the NTSC system. Yet another mode is used to captureintended video as an video signal in compliance with the PAL system.

In this case, the control means controls the synthesis means inaccordance with the selected capture mode. Even when the acceptancemeans transfers an instruction to generate the capture assist mark, thesynthesis means controlled by the control means does not synthesize thecapture assist mark in accordance with the capture mode. It is possibleto automatically prevent a meaningless or inappropriate capture assistmark from being synthesized with video signals. In this manner, it ispossible to appropriately use multiple capture assist marks so as tosatisfy user needs.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 4 is compliant with theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and includes:

a plurality of output terminal unit which use different formats tooutput video signals output from the imaging means, wherein thegeneration means generates the capture assist marker in accordance witha format of the video signal to be supplied to each of the plurality ofoutput terminal units; and

wherein the synthesis means synthesizes the corresponding capture assistmark with the video signal to be supplied to each of the plurality ofoutput terminal units.

For example, the imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 4 of theinvention may be provided with multiple output terminal units to handlevideo signals having different signal formats such as an LCD having adisplay screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and an SD (StandardDefinition) terminal to output video signals with an aspect ratio of4:3. In this case, the control means controls the generation means togenerate the capture assist mark that is specified to be generated andcorresponds to the format of a video signal to be supplied to each ofthe output terminals. The synthesis means synthesizes the correspondingcapture assist mark with each of the differently formatted video signalsthat are supplied to the output terminals.

This prevents an unnecessary capture assist mark from being generatedand synthesized with video signals supplied to the output terminals.Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately use multiple capture assistmarks so as to satisfy user needs.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 5 is compliant with theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the acceptance meanscan accept selection input of a capture assist mark generated at leastfrom the plurality of types of capture assist marks.

According to the imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 5 of theinvention, the acceptance means can be used to select an intendedcapture assist mark at least from multiple capture assist marks. A usercan use only necessary capture assist marks. Accordingly, it is possibleto appropriately use multiple capture assist marks so as to satisfy userneeds.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 6 is compliant with theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 and includes:

change input acceptance means for directly accepting input for a changebetween displaying and hiding the plurality of capture assist marks as awhole generated by the generation means; and

change control means for changing between displaying and hiding theplurality of capture assist marks in accordance with the change inputaccepted through the change input acceptance means.

The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 6 is provided with thechange input acceptance means that can accept only specification ofdisplaying or hiding capture assist marks. This makes it possible tofast and easily switching between displaying and hiding the captureassist marks during capturing. Accordingly, it is possible toappropriately use multiple capture assist marks so as to satisfy userneeds.

The invention makes it possible to appropriately use multiple captureassist marks so as to satisfy user needs. The capture composition so farbased on an experimental estimation can be completed in a shorter timethan before.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a digital video camera compliant withan embodiment of the apparatus and the method according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows capture assist markers available for the digital videocamera as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates processes to select a capture assist marker to beused;

FIG. 4 illustrates a process to display or hide the entire captureassist marker;

FIG. 5 illustrates the use of a 4:3 marker for each video outputterminal;

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a center marker for each video outputterminal;

FIG. 7 illustrates the use of a safety zone marker for each video outputterminal;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process to select.sup.-the captureassist marker;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process to display or hide the captureassist markers as a whole;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process to display the capture assistmarkers;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process to remove the display of allthe capture assist markers; FIG. 12A shows another example of thecapture assist marker;

FIG. 12B shows still another example of the capture assist marker; andFIG. 12C shows yet another example of the capture assist marker.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the apparatus and the method according to the inventionwill be described in further detail with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The following embodiment describes examples of applying themethod according to the invention to a digital video camera.

Digital Video Camera

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a digital video camera compliant withan embodiment of the apparatus and the method according to theinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital video camera according to theembodiment includes a camera unit 10, an OSD (On Screen Display) unit20, a baseband processing unit 30, a compression/decompression unit 40,a DV (Digital Video) processing unit 50, a tape deck unit 60, a digitalinterface (hereafter referred to as a digital I/F) 70, and a digitalinput/output terminal 71.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment is provided withoutput and input terminal units for video. The output terminal unitincludes a D terminal 81, an LCD 82, an EVF (Electro View Finder) 83,and an SD output terminal 84. The input terminal unit includes an SDinput terminal 91. The digital video camera further has interfaces 81 i,82 i, 83 i, 84 i, and 91 i (depicted simply as the I/F in FIG. 1)corresponding to the output and input terminal units. The digital videocamera also has a control unit 100 to control these components.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 100 is a microcomputer composed ofa CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and RAM(Random Access Memory) 103 connected with each other via a CPU bus. TheROM 102 represents flash ROM or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable andProgrammable ROM). The ROM 102 records various programs executed on theCPU 101 and data needed for its processes. The ROM 102 can accept andstore setup information such as user-specified parameters. In thedescription to follow, the ROM 102 is assumed to be flash ROM. The RAM103 is mainly used as a work area for temporarily storing intermediateresults of processes, for example.

The control unit 100 connects with an operation unit 110 provided withvarious operation keys and operation dials. The operation unit 110 canaccept operation input from users. In this manner, the control unit 100can control the respective units in accordance with user's inputinstruction input (input operation) accepted via the operation unit 110.

For simplicity of description, the camera unit 10 of the digital videocamera according to the embodiment is assumed to be composed of a videosystem and an audio system. That is, the video system of the camera unit10 is composed of an optical block 11 having a lens, a focus mechanism,a shutter mechanism, an aperture (iris) mechanism, and the like, a CCD(Charge Coupled Device) 12, and a preprocessing circuit 13. The audiosystem is composed of a microphone, an input/output processing unit 15,a conversion unit 16 for A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion and D/A(Digital/Analog) conversion, and an audio output terminal 17.

The video system of the camera unit 10 according to the embodiment hastwo capture modes: an HD mode to capture an object as a video with anaspect ratio of 16:9 and an SD mode to capture an object as a video withan aspect ratio of 4:3. Under control of the control unit 100 inaccordance with user's instruction input, the video system can selectwhich capture mode should be used to capture videos.

When accepting instruction input for capturing from the operation unit110, the control unit 100 controls the units of the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment to start a capture operation. In this case,the optical block 11 follows the control from the control unit 100 tocontrol the focus mechanism, the shutter mechanism, and the irismechanism. The optical block 11 captures the object's video and suppliesit to the CCD 12.

The CCD 12 photoelectrically converts the video from the optical block11 and outputs it. The CCD 12 captures the object's video from theoptical block 11 and supplies the preprocessing circuit 13 with thecaptured object's video (image information) as an electric signal. Thepreprocessing circuit 13 applies a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling)process to the supplied video signal to keep a good S/N ratio. Thepreprocessing circuit 13 further performs an AGC (Automatic GainControl) process to control a gain. In addition, the preprocessingcircuit 13 performs A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion to generate videodata Vd0 in the form of a digital signal and supplies it to the basebandprocessing unit 30.

During the capture, audio collected through the microphone 14 isconverted into an electric signal, is processed to be amplified, forexample, in the input/output processing unit 15, and then is supplied tothe conversion unit 16. The conversion unit 16 converts an analog audiosignal from the input/output unit 15 into a digital signal that resultsin audio data AuO. The conversion unit 16 supplies audio data Au0 to thebaseband processing unit 30.

As will be described in more detail below, the baseband processing unit30 responds to control from the control unit 100 and receives graphicsor text data to be synthesized with video data such as the captureassist mark from the OSD unit 20. The baseband processing unit 30processes this data, for example, so as to be synthesized with videodata Vd0 from the camera unit 10 to generate video data. The basebandprocessing unit 30 supplies video data Vd0 to the other components suchas the compression/decompression unit 40, the DV processing unit 50, theD terminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, and the SD output terminal 84. Aswill be described in more detail below, the OSD processing unit 30 cangenerate multiple types of capture assist marks in response to controlfrom the control unit 100.

There may be a case where the baseband processing unit 30 processesvideo data (HD signal) with an aspect ratio of 16:9 captured in the HDmode. In this case, the baseband processing unit 30 supplies video data(HD signal) Vd1 and audio data Au1 to the compression/decompression unit40. The compression/decompression unit 40 uses the MPEG (Moving PictureExperts Group) system, for example, to compress (encode) the suppliedvideo data Vd1 and audio data Au1 to multiplex the compressed video dataand audio data.

The compression/decompression unit 40 multiplexes the video data and theaudio data to generate multiplexed data (MPEG signal). The multiplexeddata is supplied to the tape deck unit 60 and is recorded on DV (DigitalVideo) tape mounted thereon. Further, the multiplexed data can be outputvia the digital I/F 70 and the digital input/output terminal 71.

In the digital video camera according to the embodiment, the digital I/F70 and the digital input/output terminal 71 represent interfacescompliant with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers) 1394 standard, for example. Obviously, the digital I/F 70 andthe digital input/output terminal 71 can use digital interfacescompliant with the other standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

There may be a case where the baseband processing unit 30 processes a DVsystem signal (DV signal). In this case, the baseband processing unit 30supplies video data (DV signal) Vd2 and audio data Au2 to the DVprocessing unit 50. The DV processing unit 50 multiplexes the suppliedvideo data Vd2 and audio data Aug.

The DV processing unit 50 multiplexes the video data and the audio datato generate multiplexed data. The multiplexed data is supplied to thetape deck unit 60 and is recorded on DV (Digital Video) tape mountedthereon. Further, the multiplexed data can be output via the digital I/F70 and the digital input/output terminal 71.

During the capture, as mentioned above, the baseband processing unit 30supplies video signals from the camera unit 11 also to the D terminal81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, and the SD output terminal 84. The Dterminal 81 in an analog interface to output an HD signal in an analogformat, for example. The D terminal according to the embodiment iscalled a D4 terminal compliant with 480i, 480p, 1080i, and 780p, and iscapable of outputting video signals with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

In the representation of “480i” and “480p” , the numeral denotes thenumber of effective scanning lines. The letter “i” following the numeraldenotes that the video signal is compliant with the interlace scanningsystem. The letter “p” following the numeral denotes that the videosignal is compliant with the progressive scanning system. Accordingly,“480i” denotes the interlace video signal composed of 480 effectivescanning lines and “480p” denotes the interlace video signal composed of480 effective scanning lines.

The LCD82 and the EVF83 are compatible with video signals with an aspectratio of 16:9. The SD output terminal 84 is used for analog SD videosignals with an aspect ratio of 4:3. The output terminals 81, 82, 83,and 84 are provided with the I/Fs 81 i, 82 i, 83 i, and 84 i,respectively. These interfaces have the function of converting videodata from the baseband processing unit 30 into analog video signals tobe supplied to the corresponding video output terminal units.

There may be a case of supplying an MPEG signal (multiplexed signal ofvideo data and audio data compressed in MPEG) via the digitalinput/output terminal 71 and the digital I/F 70. Alternatively, theremay be a case of reading an MPEG signal from the DV tape mounted on thetape deck unit 60. These MPEG signals are supplied to thecompression/decompression unit 40 and are separated into video data andaudio data here. In addition, the data is decompressed to restore theoriginal video data and audio data before the data compression. Therestored video data and audio data are supplied to the basebandprocessing unit 30.

The baseband processing unit 30 is supplied with video data and audiodata from the compression/decompression unit 30. The baseband processingunit 30 supplies video data to the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF83, and the SD output terminal 84. Audio data is supplied to theconversion unit 16 and is converted into an analog audio signal here.The input/output processing unit 15 then processes the analog signal soas to harmonize the signal format, for example. The analog audio outputterminal 17 outputs the analog audio signal.

Similarly, there may be a case of supplying a DV signal (multiplexedsignal of video data and audio data according to the DV system) via thedigital input/output terminal 71 and the digital I/F 70. Alternatively,there may be a case of reading a DV signal from the DV tape mounted onthe tape deck unit 60. The DV signal is supplied to the DV processingunit 50 and is separated into video data and audio data here. The videodata and audio data are supplied to the baseband processing unit 30.

Similarly to the above-mentioned reproduction of MPEG signals, thebaseband processing unit 30 is supplied with video data and audio datafrom the compression/decompression unit 30. The baseband processing unit30 supplies video data to the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, andthe SD output terminal 84. Audio data is supplied to the conversion unit16 and is converted into an analog audio signal here. The input/outputprocessing unit 15 then processes the analog signal so as to harmonizethe signal format, for example. The analog audio output terminal 17outputs the analog audio signal.

When accepting MPEG or DV signals through the digital I/F, the digitalvideo camera can record these signals on DV tape mounted on the tapedeck unit 60. The digital video camera can also record SD signalsaccepted through the SD input terminal 91 on DV tape mounted on the tapedeck unit 60. The I/F 91 i has the function of, for example, convertingan SD signal accepted through the SD input terminal 91 into a digitalsignal.

As mentioned above, when the camera unit 10 is used to capture videosignals and collect audio signals, the digital video camera according tothe embodiment can convert these signals into digital signals and outputor record them on DV tape. In addition, the digital video camera canconvert video signals and audio signals accepted through theinput/output terminal and the input terminal into digital signals andoutput or record them on DV tape. Further, the digital video camera canreproduce video data and audio data that are recorded on the DV tape orare accepted through the input/output terminal and the input terminal.

Using multiple capture assist marks (claims 1 and 7)

As mentioned above, the digital video camera according to the embodimentcan allow the OSD unit 20 to generate multiple capture assist markers(including capture assist marks such as a capture assist frame). Themultiple capture assist markers can be synthesized with video data. FIG.2 shows capture assist marks available for the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital video camera according to the embodimentcan use three types of capture assist markers: a center marker CE, a 4:3marker SD, and a safety zone marker SF. In FIG. 2, informationindicating a capture mode is displayed at the top left end of thescreen, and information indicating a time code is displayed at the topright end of the screen.

In FIG. 2, the center marker CE is displayed like a cross at the centerof the screen and is used to align the center and approximatelyhorizontal and vertical levels for video. In FIG. 2, the 4:3 marker SDis composed of two lines that are each provided at the left and rightends of the screen so as to connect the top and the bottom of thescreen. The 4:3 marker SD indicates an effective field angle (effectivecapture area) as SD video when an HD video at 16:9 field angle isdown-converted into an SD video. The safety zone marker SF is used toreproduce captured video and simulates an area (frame) supposed to bedisplayed on most ordinary television sets.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment enables the use ofany combinations of three types of capture assist markers as shown inFIG. 2. That is, it is possible to simultaneously use all the threetypes of capture assist markers, i.e., the center marker CE, the 4:3marker SD, and the safety zone marker SF. Further, it is possible to useany two of the three types of capture assist markers. Moreover, it ispossible to use any one of the three types of capture assist markers.Furthermore, it is possible to use none of the capture assist markers.

FIG. 3 illustrates operations to select the capture assist marker to bedisplayed for use. FIG. 4 illustrates operations to display or hide theentire capture assist marker. The digital video camera according to theembodiment allows these operations to be performed through the use of amenu displayed on a display screen 82G of the LCD 82 and the operationunit 10.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment operates asfollows. When a user performs a specified operation such as pressing amenu key, for example, the control unit 100 controls the OSD processingunit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to display camera setup menuMn on the display screen 82G of the LCD 82 as shown in FIG. 3 (A).

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), the camera setup menu Mn includesselection items such as AE (Auto Exposure) response, marker, markerselection, flicker decrease, handle zoom speed, zebra level, and colorbar type. When the screen cannot display some or all of the selectionitems, the camera setup menu Mn has the function of scrolling the screento display the intended items. A user can operate an arrow key on theoperation unit 110 to position a cursor Cs to an intended selectionitem. The user can perform a specified fix operation such as pressing afix key. In response to this, the control unit 100 performs a processcorresponding to the selection item where the cursor is positioned.

Let us suppose that the user positions the cursor Cs to the markerselection item of the camera setup menu Mn in FIG. 3 (A) and thenperforms the fix operation. The control unit 100 then controls the OSDprocessing unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to display markerselection menu Mk as shown in FIG. 3 (B) on the display screen 82G.

The marker selection menu in FIG. 3 (B) enables to select any of thethree types of capture assist markers described with reference to FIG.2, i.e., the center marker CE, the 4:3 marker SD, and the safety zonemarker SF. The user can then position the cursor Cs to the selectionitem for selecting the intended capture assist marker and select a fixdisplay at the top. As shown in FIGS. 3 (C), 3 (D), and 3 (E), thedisplay screen 82G of the LCD 82 displays screens to display or hide(turn on or off) the selected capture assist markers.

In FIG. 3 (B), the indication “ON” or “OFF” is provided to the right ofthe item for selecting each capture assist marker to identify whethereach capture assist marker is currently displayed or hidden. Therefore,FIG. 3 (B) shows that only the center marker is currently displayed andthe other markers such as the 4:3 marker and the safety zone marker arehidden.

Let us assume that the user positions the cursor Cs to the selectionitem for selecting the center marker from the marker selection menu inFIG. 3 (B). The control unit 100 controls the OSD unit 20 and thebaseband processing unit 30 to display the setup screen for displayingor hiding the center marker on the display screen 82G of the LCD 82 asshown in FIG. 3 (C). As shown in FIG. 3 (C), the screen shows a guidedisplay gd and a selection item display ST. The guide display gdindicates what the selected capture assist marker means. The selectionitem display ST contains two selection items “OFF (disable)” and “ON(enable)” to display or hide the capture assist marker.

The user can select either of the two selection items “OFF (disable)”and “ON (enable).” Positioning the cursor Cs to “OFF (disable) ” hidesthe center marker CE. Positioning the cursor Cs to “ON (enable)”displays the center marker CE. In this manner, the center marker CE canbe displayed or hidden.

The user can fix the selection by positioning the cursor Cs to theselection and then performing a specified fix operation. When the userselects an end item at the bottom of the menu, the control unit 100controls the OSD unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 toterminate the display in FIG. 3 (C). The screen returns to the displayof the marker selection menu Mk in FIG. 3 (B).

From the marker selection menu in FIG. 3 (B), the user can position thecursor Cs to the selection item for selecting the 4:3 marker and thenperform the fix operation. The control unit 100 controls the OSD unit 20and the baseband processing unit 30 to display the setup screen fordisplaying or hiding the 4:3 marker on the display screen 82G of the LCD82 as shown in FIG. 3(D).

Also in FIG. 3 (D), the screen shows the guide display gd and theselection item display ST. The guide display gd indicates what theselected capture assist marker means. The selection item display STcontains two selection items “OFF (disable)” and “ON (enable)” todisplay or hide the capture assist marker. Similarly to the casedescribed with reference to FIG. 3(C), the user can display or hide the4:3 marker.

From the marker selection menu in FIG. 3 (B), the user can position thecursor Cs to the selection item for selecting the safety zone marker andthen perform the fix operation. The control unit 100 controls the OSDunit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to display the setup screenfor displaying or hiding the safety zone marker on the display screen82G of the LCD 82 as shown in FIG. 3 (D).

Also in FIG. 3 (D), the screen shows the guide display gd and theselection item display ST. The guide display gd indicates what theselected capture assist marker means. The selection item display STcontains two selection items “OFF (disable)” and “ON (enable)” todisplay or hide the capture assist marker. Similarly to the casedescribed with reference to FIG. 3 (C), the user can display or hide thesafety zone marker.

In this manner, the digital video camera according to the embodiment candisplay or hide each of the three available capture assist markers,i.e., the center marker CE, the 4:3 marker SD, and the safety zonemarker SF.

When the user selects the fix item at the top of the menu in FIG. 3 (B),the control unit 100 controls the OSD unit 20 and the basebandprocessing unit 30 to terminate the display shown in FIG. 3 (B) andreturns the display to the camera setup menu Mn shown in FIG. 3 (A).When the user presses a [MENU] key at the bottom of the guide display inthe camera setup menu Mn in FIG. 3 (A), the control unit 100 controlsthe OSD unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to terminate thedisplay shown in FIG. 3 (A).

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment enables or disables the display of each ofthe three available types of capture assist markers, and then providesthe confirmation whether or not to display the display-enabled marker.

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the user can select (set) thecapture assist marker to be displayed for use. As shown in FIG. 4 (A),the display returns to the camera setup menu Mn in FIG. 3 (A) and theuser can then select the “marker” as the selection item. At this time,the control unit 100 controls the OSD unit 20 and the basebandprocessing unit 30 to display the setup screen for displaying or hidingthe capture assist marker shown in FIG. 4 (B) on the display screen 82Gof the LCD 82.

The screen shows the guide display gd and the selection item display ST.The guide display gd indicates that the screen is configured to enableor disable the display of the entire capture assist marker. Theselection item display ST contains two selection items “OFF (disable)”and “ON (enable)” to display or hide the entire capture assist marker.The user can position the cursor Cs to “ON (enable)” and perform thespecified fix operation to display the entire capture assist marker. Inthis case, the user can display all the capture assist markers that areconfigured to be displayed according to the description with referenceto FIG. 3.

The user can position the cursor Cs to “OFF (disable)” and perform thespecified fix operation to hide the entire capture assist marker. Inthis case, the user can hide the capture assist marker even when it isconfigured to be displayed according to the description with referenceto FIG. 3.

In this manner, there are provided the information displayed on thedisplay screen 82G of the LCD 82 and input operations from the operationunit 110. The control unit 100 accepts the information indicating theuser-specified displayed or hidden state of each capture assist markerand the information indicating the displayed or hidden state of theentire capture assist marker. The flash ROM 102 of the control unit 100records and maintains these pieces of information so as to be referencedand used as needed.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment provides the setupprocess as described with reference to FIG. 3 to configure all the threetypes of capture assist markers to be displayed. In this case, the OSDunit 20 generates all the center marker CE, the 4:3 marker SD, and thesafety zone marker SF as shown in FIG. 2. The baseband processing unit30 synthesizes these markers with the video signal Vd0 from the cameraunit 10. The digital video camera supplies the video output terminalunits with the video signal synthesized with the three types of captureassist markers for eventual use.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment provides the setupprocess as described with reference to FIG. 3 to configure any two ofthe three types of capture assist markers to be displayed. In this case,the OSD unit 20 generates the two types of capture assist markersconfigured to be displayed. The baseband processing unit 30 synthesizesthese capture assist markers with the video signal Vd0 from the cameraunit 10. The digital video camera supplies the video output terminalunits with the video signal synthesized with any two types of captureassist markers for eventual use.

Obviously, the digital video camera according to the embodiment providesthe setup process as described with reference to FIG. 3 to configure anyone of the three types of capture assist markers to be displayed. Inthis case, the OSD unit 20 generates the one type of capture assistmarker configured to be displayed. The baseband processing unit 30synthesizes the capture assist marker with the video signal Vd0 from thecamera unit 10. The digital video camera supplies the video outputterminal units with the video signal synthesized with any one type ofcapture assist marker for eventual use. It is also possible to use noneof the capture assist markers by disabling the display of all thecapture assist markers.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment can simultaneouslydisplay multiple capture assist markers. For example, the digital videocamera makes it possible to simultaneously confirm the video center, therange of the 4:3 field angle, and the safety zone. The capturecomposition so far based on an experimental estimation can be completedin a shorter time than before.

The digital video camera provides multiple displayable capture assistmarker patterns (types) for eventual use, making it possible to satisfyneeds for various capture aids and settlement of compositions.

Using the capture assist markers in accordance with the capture modes(claims 2, 3, 8, and 9)

As mentioned above, the digital video camera according to the embodimenthas two capture modes. One is the HD mode that captures an object as avideo with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The other is the SD mode thatcaptures an object as a video with an aspect ratio of 4:3.

The user can use the operation unit 110 to select which capture mode touse. The control unit 100 accepts the information indicating theselected capture mode and stores and maintains the information in itsflash ROM 102, for example. The stored and maintained information can bereferenced and used as needed.

When the SD mode is selected for capture, for example, the 4:3 marker SDis meaningless. In consideration for the user-selected capture mode, thecontrol unit 100 of the digital video camera according to the embodimentcan provide control to display or hide the capture assist markers.

The SD mode may be selected as the capture mode even when the 4:3 markeris configured to be displayed. In such case, the control unit 100references the setup information in the flash ROM 102, for example, andcontrols the OSD unit 20 to prevent the 4:3 marker from being generated.This makes it possible to hide the 4:3 marker SD that is meaningless forthe capture in the SD mode.

While there has been described that the control unit 100 providescontrol to prevent the OSD unit 20 from generating the 4:3 marker SD,the invention is not limited thereto. When the 4:3 marker is configuredto be displayed and the SD mode is selected as the capture mode, thecontrol unit 100 may control the baseband processing unit 30 so as notto synthesize the 4:3 marker from the OSD unit 20 with a video signal.

Of course, the control unit 100 can control both the OSD unit 20 and thebaseband processing unit 30 so as not to generate an unnecessary captureassist marker. Further, the control unit 100 can prevent the unnecessarycapture assist marker from being synthesized with a video signal. TheOSD unit generates the capture assist markers. The baseband processingunit 30 synthesizes the capture assist markers. Controlling at least oneof these processes can prevent the display of an unnecessary captureassist marker.

While there has been described that the control unit 100 providescontrol to automatically change the 4:3 marker unneeded when the SD modeis enabled as the capture mode, the invention is not limited thereto.For example, it is possible to provide an NTSC mode and a PAL mode. TheNTSC mode enables a captured video to be processed and recorded as anNTSC-based video signal. The PAL mode enables a captured video to beprocessed and recorded as a PAL-based video signal.

When multiple recording modes are provided, the control unit 100 cancontrol the OSD processing unit 20 so as to generate the capture assistmarker corresponding to the selected recording mode. That is, thecontrol unit 100 can generate the center marker and the safety zonemarker to be synthesized with NTSC video signals and the safety zonemarker to be synthesized with PAL video signals.

Different signal formats are used for the NTSC video signals and the PALvideo signals. Even when the capture assist markers are synthesized withthe signal formats, it is possible to prevent problems such asunsuccessfully displaying the capture assist marker at an intendedposition in the video.

In this manner, the formats of video signals to be processed depend onthe capture modes and the recording modes. There may be a meaningless,unnecessary capture assist marker when displayed correspondingly to thevideo signal format. Such unnecessary capture assist marker, whenconfigured to be displayed, can be automatically hidden, eliminating theuser's need for reconfiguring the capture assist marker.

Using the capture assist markers corresponding to output terminals(claims 4 and 10)

As described with reference to FIG. 1, the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment has the multiple video signal outputterminal units (video output terminal units), i.e., the D terminal 81,the LCD 82, the EVF 83, and the SD output terminal 84. Of these videooutput terminal units, as mentioned above, the D terminal 81, the LCD82, and the EVF 83 are compatible with video signals with an aspectratio of 16:9. The SD output terminal 84 is used for SD signals with anaspect ratio of 4:3.

When the camera unit 10 in FIG. 1 supplies an HD video signal, the Dterminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83 can output this signal withoutdown-conversion. In this case, the down-converted HD signal is output tothe SD output terminal. According to the embodiment, the digital I/F 70is used to output video signals and the like in such a manner as toconvert HD signals into the MPEG or DV format for output. The HD signalis down-converted only when it is converted into the DV format.

For this reason, the control unit 100 of the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment controls the OSD processing unit 20 and thebaseband processing unit 30. In this manner, the control unit 100generates the capture assist markers compliant with video signalssupplied to the video output terminal units and synthesizes the captureassist markers with the video signals supplied to the video outputterminals.

FIGS. 5 through 7 illustrate the use of capture assist markers for therespective video output terminals. FIG. 5 shows that the 4:3 marker SDis configured to be displayed. FIG. 6 shows that the center marker CE isconfigured to be displayed. FIG. 7 shows that the safety zone marker SFis configured to be displayed.

For example, the 4:3 marker SD, even when configured to be displayed,indicates an effective field angle (effective capture area) as an SDvideo when an HD video at the 16:9 field angle is down-converted into anSD video. It is meaningless to synthesize the 4:3 marker SD with an SDsignal that has the aspect ratio of 4:3 and is output to the SD outputterminal 84.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 of the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment controls the OSD unit 20 to generate the 4:3marker SD to be synthesized with video signals supplied to the Dterminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83 and supply the 4:3 marker SD tothe baseband processing unit 30. In addition, the control unit 100controls the baseband processing unit 30 to synthesize the 4:3 marker SDfrom the OSD unit 20 with the video signals supplied to the D terminal81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83 and not to synthesize the 4:3 marker withvideo signals supplied to the SD output terminal 84.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), the 4:3 marker SD can be synthesized with videosignals supplied to the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83 so asto be capable of being output. The 4:3 marker is meaningless to a videosignal output through the SD output terminal 84. As shown in FIG. 5 (B),the 4:3 marker SD, even when configured to be displayed, can beprevented from being synthesized with that video signal.

The center marker CE is used to align the center and approximatelyhorizontal and vertical levels for video. When the center marker CE isconfigured to be displayed, it is meaningful when synthesized with videosignals to be output to the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, andthe SD output terminal 84.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 100 of the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment controls the OSD unit 20 to generate thecenter marker SD to be synthesized with video signals supplied to the Dterminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83. In addition, the control unit100 controls the OSD units to generate the center marker SD to besynthesized with video signals supplied to the SD output terminal 84.The control unit 100 controls the baseband processing unit 30 tosynthesize the corresponding 4:3 marker SD from the OSD unit 20 withvideo signals supplied to the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, andthe SD output terminal 84.

When the center marker CE is configured to be displayed as shown in FIG.6 (A), the center marker CE is displayed at the center of a video formedby video signals output from the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF83. As shown in FIG. 6 (B), the center marker CE is displayed at thecenter of a video formed by video signals output from the SD outputterminal 84.

The safety zone marker SF is used to reproduce captured video andsimulates an area supposed to be displayed on most ordinary televisionsets. When the safety zone marker SF is configured to be displayed, itis meaningful when synthesized with video signals to be output to the Dterminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, and the SD output terminal 84.

The control unit 100 of the digital video camera according to theembodiment controls the OSD unit 20 as shown in FIG. 7 to generate thesafety zone marker SF to be synthesized with video signals supplied tothe D terminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83. In addition, the controlunit 100 generates the safety zone marker SF to be synthesized withvideo signals supplied to the SD output terminal 84. The control unit100 controls the baseband processing unit 30 to synthesize thecorresponding safety zone marker SF from the OSD unit 20 with videosignals supplied to the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, the EVF 83, and theSD output terminal 84.

When the safety zone marker SF is configured to be displayed as shown inFIG. 7(A), the safety zone marker SF is displayed for a video formed byvideo signals output from the D terminal 81, the LCD 82, and the EVF 83.As shown in FIG. 7 (B), the safety zone marker SF is displayed for avideo formed by video signals output from the SD output terminal 84. Inthis case, the frame size is changed depending on the HD output systemand the SD output system.

When the capture assist marker is configured to be displayed, it may bemeaningless and unnecessary depending on the formats of video signalssupplied to the multiple video output terminals, for example. Thedigital video camera according to the embodiment can prevent suchcapture assist marker from being displayed.

Accordingly, the capture assist markers can be correctly displayed inaccordance with the usage of each output terminal. It is possible tosettle the composition agreeable to users who are viewing theirrespective videos.

Using a direct key (claims 5, 6, 11, and 12)

As mentioned above, the operation key such as the arrow key on theoperation unit 110 is used to display or hide the capture assist markersor the entire capture assist marker depending on the menus displayed onthe display screen 82G of the LCD 82. As described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, however, multiple operations maybe needed for an intendedprocess. This may be inconvenient and time-consuming to users.

During capturing, a user may or may not want to display the captureassist marker. The user may miss a capture chance when he or she opensthe menu as needed to display or hide the capture assist marker.

To solve this problem, the operation unit 110 is provided with aswitching key that can be directly operated to display or hide at leastthe multiple capture assist markers as a whole. For example, let ussuppose that a user captures an object by confirming its video throughthe EVF 83 and then operates the switching key. The control unit 100controls the OSD unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to becapable of switching between displaying and hiding the three types ofcapture assist markers as a whole.

A single operation (single action) of the directly operable switchingkey can display the capture assist markers when needed and hide themwhen unneeded.

While there has bee described the case of displaying or hiding the threetypes of capture assist markers at a time, the invention is not limitedthereto. For example, it may be preferable to provide a switching keyfor the center marker to display or hide it, a switching key for the 4:3marker to display or hide it, and a switching key for the safety zonemarker to display or hide it. These switching keys can be independentlyoperated to switch between displaying and hiding each of the captureassist markers.

Accordingly, the user can specify various system information using theGUI (Graphics User Interface) displayed on the LCD 82 and using theswitch mounted on the digital video camera body. The control unitcontrols the OSD unit 20 to generate the GUI that can be displayed onthe display screen 85G of the LCD 85. When the switch provided for thebody is operated for input, the control unit 100 can monitor an inputport of the switch to perform a specified operation according to theinput state.

The capture assist markers can be displayed or hidden through the use ofthe operation key such as a directly operable switch provided for theoperation unit 110 of the digital video camera. A single action can betaken to immediately hide or display the capture assist markers duringcapture.

A user can quickly display or hide the capture assist markers at anytiming through a simple operation of pressing the special switchprovided for the body independently of whether or not the body isoperated for capturing. It is possible to prevent a capture chance frombeing lost due to menu operations that require procedures to someextent.

Processes associated with the capture assist markers

With reference to FIGS. 8 through 11, the following describes processesassociated with the capture assist markers in the digital video camera.The control unit 100 mainly performs the processes associated with thecapture assist markers to be described below.

Selecting the Capture Assist Markers

The following describes selection of the capture assist markers to beused for the digital video camera according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 isa flowchart showing the process to select the capture assist markers. Asdescribed with reference to FIG. 3, a user may choose “marker selection”from the selection items displayed in the camera setup menu Mn and fixthe marker. The control unit 100 displays the marker selection menu Mkas shown in FIG. 3 (B) on the display screen 82G (Step S101) and becomesready for accepting user's input operation.

The control unit 100 determines whether or not a fix operation (endoperation) is performed for the marker selection menu Mk (Step S102).When the determination process at Step S102 shows that the fix operationis performed, the control unit 100 terminates the process in FIG. 8 andreturns the display to the camera setup menu as shown in FIG. 3 (A).

When the determination process at Step S102 shows that no fix operationis performed, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a displayitem is selected for the center marker (Step S103). When thedetermination process at Step S102 shows that a display item is selectedfor the center marker, the control unit 100 controls the OSD unit 20 andthe baseband processing unit 30 to display the setup screen for thecenter marker CE as shown in FIG. 3 (C) on the display screen 82G of theLCD 82 (Step S104) so as to accept the display setup.

The control unit 100 determines whether the display is on or off(enabled or disabled) (Step S105). When the display is determined to beenabled (on), the control unit 100 places information in the flash ROM102 so as to indicate “center marker displayed” (Step S106). When thedisplay is determined to be disabled (off) in the determination processat Step S105, the control unit 100 places information in the flash ROM102 so as to indicate “center marker hidden” (Step S107). After theprocess at Step S106 or S107, the control unit 100 repeats the processfrom Step S102.

When the determination process at Step S103 shows that no display itemis selected for the center marker, the control unit 100 determineswhether or not a display item is selected for the 4:3 marker (StepS108). When the determination process at Step S108 shows that a displayitem is selected for the 4:3 marker, the control unit 100 controls theOSD unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to display the setupscreen for the 4:3 marker as shown in FIG. 3 (D) on the display screen82G of the LCD 82 (Step S109) so as to accept the display setup.

The control unit 100 determines whether the display is enabled ordisabled (on or off) (Step S110). When the display is enabled (on), thecontrol unit 100 places information in the flash ROM 102 so as toindicate “4:3 marker displayed” (Step S111). When the determinationprocess at Step S110 shows that the display is disabled (off), thecontrol unit 100 places information in the flash ROM 102 so as toindicate “4:3 marker hidden” (Step S112). After the process at Step S111or S112, the control unit 100 repeats the process from Step S102.

When the determination process at Step S108 shows that no display itemis selected for the 4:3 marker, the control unit 100 determines whetheror not a display item is selected for the safety zone marker (StepS113). When the determination process at Step S113 shows that a displayitem is selected for the safety zone marker, the control unit 100controls the OSD unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 to displaythe setup screen for the safety zone marker as shown in FIG. 3 (E) onthe display screen 82G of the LCD 82 (Step S114) so as to accept thedisplay setup.

The control unit 100 determines whether the display is enabled ordisabled (on or off) (Step S114). When the display is enabled (on), thecontrol unit 100 places information in the flash ROM 102 so as toindicate “safety zone marker displayed” (Step S116). When thedetermination process at Step S115 shows that the display is disabled(off), the control unit 100 places information in the flash ROM 102 soas to indicate “safety zone marker hidden” (Step S117). After theprocess at Step S116 or S117, the control unit 100 repeats the processfrom Step S102.

When the determination process at Step S113 shows that no display itemis selected for the safety zone marker, the control unit 100 repeats theprocess after Step S102.

The digital video camera according to the embodiment makes it possibleto configure whether or not to use the three types of capture assistmarkers individually.

Displaying or Hiding the Capture Assist Markers as a Whole

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process to display or hide the captureassist markers as a whole. The process as described with reference toFIG. 8 individually enables or disables the display of the captureassist markers. After this, the digital video camera according to theembodiment can enable or disable the display of the three types oncapture assist markers as a whole as described with reference to FIG. 4.

An input operation is performed to select and fix “marker” from theselection items displayed on the camera setup menu Mn as shown in FIG. 4(A). The setup screen for displaying or hiding the entire capture assistmarkers as shown in FIG. 4 (B) on the display screen 82G of the LCD 82(Step S201) to accept user's input operations.

The control unit 100 determines which display setting is accepted (StepS202). The determination process at Step S202 may show that the acceptedinput operation enables (turns on) the display of the entire captureassist markers. In this case, the control unit 100 the control unit 100places information in the flash ROM 102 so as to display the entirecapture assist markers (Step S203).

The determination process at Step S202 may show that the accepted inputoperation disables (turns off) the display of the entire capture assistmarkers. In this case, the control unit 100 the control unit 100 placesinformation in the flash ROM 102 so as to hide the entire capture assistmarkers (Step S204).

After the process at Step S203 or S204, the control unit 100 terminatesthe process of displaying or hiding the entire capture assist markers asshown in FIG. 9. After displaying or hiding the individual captureassist markers, the digital video camera according to the embodiment candisplay or hide the entire capture assist markers.

Displaying the Capture Assist Markers

The following describes a process to display the capture assist markers.FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process to display the capture assistmarkers. The control unit 100 performs the process in FIG. 10 at thebeginning of capture or at an initial stage of capture standby mode, forexample.

The control unit 100 performs the process in FIG. 10 during capture orat the time of capture standby. The control unit 100 references thesetup information in the flash ROM 102 and determines whether or not the4:3 marker is displayed (display enabled) (Step S301). When thedetermination process at Step S301 shows that the 4:3 marker isdisplayed, the control unit 100 allows the OSD unit 20 to generate the4:3 marker to be synthesized with a video signal with an aspect ratio of16:9 (Step S302).

When the determination process at Step S301 shows that the 4:3 marker ishidden, or after the process at Step S302, the control unit 100determines whether or not the setup information in the flash ROM 102indicates the displayed state (display enabled) of the center marker(Step S303). When the determination process at Step S303 shows that thecenter marker is configured to be displayed, the control unit 100 allowsthe OSD unit 20 to generate the center marker (Step S304).

When the determination process at Step S303 shows that the center markeris hidden, or after the process at Step S304, the control unit 100determines whether or not the setup information in the flash ROM 102indicates the displayed state (display enabled) of the safety zonemarker (Step S305). When the determination process at Step S303 showsthat the safety zone marker is configured to be displayed, the controlunit 100 allows the OSD unit 20 to generate the safety zone marker to besynthesized with a video signal with an aspect ratio of 16:9 (StepS306).

The control unit 100 controls the OSD processing unit 20 to supply thebaseband processing unit 30 with the generated capture assist markers(Step S307). The control unit 100 allows the baseband processing unit 30to synthesize the supplied capture assist markers with video signalswith an aspect ratio of 16:9, i.e., HD signals. The control unit 100allows the HD output systems (D terminal 81, LCD 82, and EVF 83) tooutput a video synthesized with the capture assist markers (Step S308).

The control unit 100 references the setup information in the flash ROM102 to determine whether or not the 4:3 marker is configured to bedisplayed (display enabled) (Step S309).

Even when the determination process at Step S309 shows that the 4:3marker is configured to be displayed, the control unit 100 disallows theOSD unit 20 to generate the 4:3 marker so as not to be displayed for theSD output system (Step S310).

When the determination process at Step S309 shows that the 4:3 marker ishidden, or after the process at Step S310, the control unit 100determines whether or not the setup information in the flash ROM 102indicates the displayed state (display enabled) of the center marker(Step S311). When the determination process at Step S311 shows that thecenter marker is configured to be displayed, the control unit 100 allowsthe OSD unit 20 to generate the center marker to be generated (StepS312).

When the determination process at Step S311 shows that the center markeris hidden, or after the process at Step S312, the control unit 100determines whether or not the setup information in the flash ROM 102indicates the displayed state (display enabled) of the safety zonemarker (Step S313). When the determination process at Step S313 showsthat the safety zone marker is configured to be displayed, the controlunit 100 allows the OSD unit 20 to generate the safety zone markers tobe synthesized with video signals with an aspect ratio of 4:3 (StepS314).

The control unit 100 controls the OSD processing unit 20 to supply thebaseband processing unit 30 with the generated capture assist markers(Step S315). The control unit 100 allows the baseband processing unit 30to synthesize the supplied capture assist markers with video signalswith an aspect ratio of 4:3, i.e., SD signals. The control unit 100allows the SD output system (SD output terminal 84) to output a videosynthesized with the capture assist markers (Step S316).

In this manner, the capture assist markers enabled to be displayed aregenerated in accordance with the formats of video signals supplied tomultiple video output terminals. The generated capture assist markersare synthesized with the video signals and are output from thecorresponding video output terminals.

The center marker is displayed to indicate the center of video for HDand SD signals. The video center is not misaligned independently of HDor SD signals. Of course, in consideration for influence ofdown-conversion from HD signals to SD signals, it is possible toseparately provide and use center markers for HD signals and SD signalsso as to accurately indicate the center for each of HD signals and SDsignals.

Removing the Capture Assist Markers

The following describes a process to remove the display of all thecapture assist markers by operating the switching key that enables ordisables the display of the entire capture assist markers as mentionedabove. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process to remove the displayof all the capture assist markers.

There is provided the switch key that enables or disables the display ofthe entire capture assist markers. Pressing this switching key canremove (disable) the display of all the capture assist markers. At thistime, the control unit 100 performs the process shown in FIG. 11. Thecontrol unit 100 first allows the OSD unit 20 to remove the 4:3 markerto be synthesized with HD signals with an aspect ratio of 16:9 (StepS401). The control unit 100 then allows the OSD unit 20 to remove thecenter marker (Step S402). The control unit 100 then allows the OSD unit20 to remove the safety zone marker (Step S403).

The control unit 100 allows the OSD unit 20 to supply the basebandprocessing unit 30 with OSD data to be synthesized with video signalsand to stop synthesizing the so far synthesized capture assist markers(Step S404). The control unit 100 allows the video output terminals tooutput video signals that are not synthesized with the capture assistmarkers (Step S405).

This allows the video output terminals to output video signals fromwhich the capture assist markers are removed.

The capture assist markers can be removed by controlling the OSD unit 20so as to stop generating the capture assist markers and supplying thecapture assist markers to the baseband processing unit 30.Alternatively, the capture assist markers can be removed by forcing thebaseband processing unit 30 to stop synthesizing the capture assistmarkers from the OSD unit 20.

Other Examples of the Capture Assist Markers

As described with reference to FIG. 2, there has been described thethree types of capture assist markers, i.e., the center marker CE, the4:3 marker SD, and the safety zone marker SF according to theabove-mentioned embodiment. However, the capture assist markers are notlimited to the above-mentioned three types.

FIGS. 12A through 12C show the other examples of the capture assistmarkers. FIG. 12A shows a guide frame marker GF1 that indicates thecenter of a display screen G and sizes one ninth of its display area.FIG. 12B shows a 9-segment guide frame marker GF2 that divides thedisplay area of the display screen G into nine portions. FIG. 12C showsa 90% safety zone marker SF1 indicating a 90% area of a display imageand an 80% safety zone marker SF2 indicating an 80% area of a displayimage. Of course, the other various capture assist markers can be used.

Various capture assist markers having similar meanings can be used indifferent display modes such as display colors, line types, and frameshapes, for example. It is also possible to allow users to freely changedisplay colors, line types, and frame shapes for each of the captureassist markers.

In this case, each capture assist marker may be capable of provided withnot only the information about enabling or disabling the display, butalso the information indicating display colors, line types, and frameshapes. The OSD unit 20 simply needs to generate the correspondingcapture assist markers. The invention is applicable when there is a needfor a possibility of simultaneously using different available captureassist markers.

The above-mentioned digital video camera according to the embodimentchanges the generation modes and the displayed or hidden state of thecapture assist markers according to output destinations of video signalsfor a video captured through the camera unit 10. However, the inventionis not limited thereto.

Even though video signals are supplied to the same output destination,it is possible to change the generation modes and the displayed orhidden state of the capture assist markers according to the video signalformats.

Normally, the 16:9 panel displays HD video. When displaying anSD-converted video, the 16:9 panel displays it as a video extracted atthe 4:3 field angle. In this case, it is also possible to generate acapture assist marker suited for the 4:3 field angle and synthesize thecapture assist marker with the video for display. When there may be anattempt to display a 4:3 marker on the LCD 83, the SD-converted videoalready has the 4:3 field angle. The 4:3 marker can be hidden even whenit is enabled for display.

From the viewpoint of changing the display of capture assist markersdepending on output destinations, it is also possible to display or hidethe capture assist marker corresponding to each output destination sothat the capture assist markers can be used according to user needs.

While the above-mentioned embodiment has presented the example ofapplying the invention to the digital video camera, the invention is notlimited thereto. The invention can be applied to various imagingapparatuses such as digital still cameras, and analog video cameras orstill cameras, for example.

As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the digital video cameraaccording to the embodiment allows the intended capture assist marker tobe selected and then allows the selected capture assist marker as awhole to be displayed or hidden. However, the invention is not limitedthereto. Simply selecting the intended capture assist marker can displayor hide the selected capture assist marker. That is, it is possible toomit the setup process to display or hide the selected capture assistmarkers as a whole as described with reference to FIG. 4.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An image capturing device comprising: amemory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured toexecute the instructions, thereby to: control an outputting of an imagedata in different output formats, the image data being captured in acapture mode, the different output formats including a first outputformat and a second output format, the first output format including atleast part of the image data being displayed in the capture modesimultaneously with a first assist marker on a display, and the secondoutput format including at least part of the image data being displayedin the capture mode simultaneously with a second assist marker placed onthe display, wherein the first assist marker is a first rectangularframe of a first size corresponding to the first output format, placedaround a center of the display such that a diagonal of the first assistmarker passes through the center of the display, and the second assistmarker is a second rectangular frame of a second size different from thefirst size along at least one of parallel sides of the first assistmarker by a predefined factor associated with the second output format,and is placed around the center of the display such that a diagonal ofthe second assist marker passes through the center of the display; andswitch the output format of the captured image between the first outputformat and the second output format in response to a user operation, theuser operation being operated during the outputting of the image data.2. The image capturing device of claim 1, wherein the displayed at leastpart of the image data included in the first output format is of adifferent aspect ratio as the displayed at least part of the image dataincluded in the second output format.
 3. The image capturing device ofclaim 1, where the first size corresponds to a first aspect ratio of thedisplayed at least part of the image data included in the first outputformat, and wherein the second size corresponds to a second aspect ratioof the displayed at least part of the image data included in the secondoutput format.
 4. The image capturing device of claim 3, wherein atleast one of the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratiocorresponds to a high definition video.
 5. The image capturing device ofclaim 1, wherein the first assist marker and the second assist markerare provided to assist the capturing of the image data.
 6. The imagecapturing device of claim 1, wherein the image data is read from astorage device.
 7. The image capturing device of claim 1, furthercomprising an image sensor to capture the image data.
 8. The imagecapturing device of claim 1, further comprising a display device todisplay the image data and the first and second assist markers.
 9. Theimage capturing device of claim 1, wherein the first and/or the secondoutput formats further include a third assist marker superimposed overthe image data.
 10. The image capturing device of claim 9, wherein theprocessor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause theimage capturing device to control a location of the third assist markerwithin the image data.
 11. The image capturing device of claim 9,wherein the image data is part of a video signal.
 12. The imagecapturing device of claim 8, wherein the third assist marker is a centermarker located at the center of the display.
 13. The image capturingdevice of claim 8, wherein the first assist marker covers a firstpredefined percentage of an area of the display and the second assistmarker covers a second predefined percentage of the area of the display.14. A method of displaying an image, comprising: receiving an image datarepresenting the image captured in a capture mode; generating firstmodified data corresponding to a first image including at least part ofthe image data to be displayed in the capture mode with a first assistmarker; generating second modified data corresponding to a second imageincluding at least part of the image data to be displayed in the capturemode with a second assist marker, wherein the first assist marker is arectangular frame of a first size corresponding to a first outputformat, placed around a center of the display such that a diagonal ofthe first assist marker passes through the center of the display, andthe second assist marker corresponds to is a second rectangular frame ofa second size different from the first size along at least one ofparallel sides of the first assist marker by a predefined factorassociated with a second output format, and is placed around the centerof the display such that a diagonal of the second assist marker passesthrough the center of the display; receiving a user input while theimage data is being output to a display device displaying at least partof the image data; and responsive to the user input, supplying to thedisplay device either the first modified data or the second modifieddata to respectively display either at least part of the image data inthe capture mode with the first assist marker, or at least part of theimage data in the capture mode with the second assist marker.
 15. Anon-transitory computer readable medium that stores a set ofinstructions that are executable by at least one processor of an imagingelectronic device to cause the imaging electronic device to perform amethod of assisting capturing of an image, the method comprising:controlling an outputting of an image data in different output formats,the image data being captured in a capture mode, the different outputformats including a first output format and a second output format, thefirst output format including at least part of the image data beingdisplayed in the capture mode simultaneously with a first assist markeron a display, and the second output format including at least part ofthe image data being displayed in the capture mode simultaneously with asecond assist marker placed on the display, wherein the first assistmarker is a first rectangular frame of a first size corresponding to thefirst output format, placed around a center of the display such that adiagonal of the first assist marker passes through the center of thedisplay, and the second assist marker is a second rectangular frame of asecond size different from the first size along at least one of parallelsides of the first assist marker by a predefined factor associated withthe second output format, and is placed around the center of the displaysuch that a diagonal of the second assist marker passes through thecenter of the display; and switching the output format of the capturedimage between the first output format and the second output format inresponse to a user operation, the user operation being operated duringthe outputting of the image data.